Lesson #GP37A: Assault Investigation - Part 1

Assault is one of the most common crimes involving family and neighbourhood disturbances. The officer who responds to the scene of an assault must take precautions regarding his/her own safety as well as that of the victim and/or witnesses. Likewise, the police officer must determine the type of assault that has occurred and the means by which the victim was assaulted, in addition to other responsibilities, such as ensuring first aid is readily available, interviewing all available witnesses, determining whether or not an arrest should take place, and interviewing the victim.

Sexual assault is an extremely difficult and humiliating experience for the victim. The effects of the assault are painful both physically and psychologically. The emotional pain of the attack is so overwhelming that survivors often suffer the effects for years. In cases of sexual assault, the victim is blameless. This type of crime is not sexual in nature, but one of extreme violence. Because of attitudes fostered by cultural constraints and expected roles of women in societies worldwide, many victims refuse to report the offence, resulting in these sexual offenders continuing to commit this violent crime. Contrary to what many people believe, sexual assaults are not committed for sex. Many people view rape and sexual assault as 'sex gone wrong'. This suggests there was some level of agreement, negotiation and mutuality involved. Sexual assault is not about shared sexual desire. It is sex that happens because of the perpetrators' desire, which is motivated more by a desire for power and control than anything else. They are committed to control and humiliate the victim. Sexual assault is a crime of violence.

The goal of this lesson is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the response procedure for an assault, rape or sexual assault incident.

At the conclusion of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Outline the initial actions that must be taken by the first responding officer at the scene of a suspected sexual assault/violation as described in the lesson.
2. Identify the type of information needed regarding essential case documentation following identification and intervention in relation to a sexual assault according to the lesson.
3. Outline the procedures that must be taken by the police officer accompanying the victim to the hospital and while at the hospital as stated in the lesson.
4. List the main considerations on how to deal with a rape victim based on the lesson.